Shield - Revision history

AlexandreDavigne: /* Shield Construction (SCA) */ typo

2013-02-11T17:29:20Z

Shield Construction (SCA): typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:29, 12 February 2013
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	Another required safety feature is protection for the fingers on the shield-hand, as the shield only protects the back of the hand leaving the fingers exposed to sword blows, shield hooks or even being against one's own armor, possibly resulting in broken fingers. Centre-boss shields provide adequate protection as the fingers are protected inside the boss itself; a full [[gauntlet]] worn on the hand likewise provides enough protection. However, if a fighter is using a [[demi-gauntlet]] and an open grip, the shield grip must be covered with a protective enclosure. While not historically accurate, "cages" are a very common sight on SCA shields owing to the [[rules of the list]].		Another required safety feature is protection for the fingers on the shield-hand, as the shield only protects the back of the hand leaving the fingers exposed to sword blows, shield hooks or even being against one's own armor, possibly resulting in broken fingers. Centre-boss shields provide adequate protection as the fingers are protected inside the boss itself; a full [[gauntlet]] worn on the hand likewise provides enough protection. However, if a fighter is using a [[demi-gauntlet]] and an open grip, the shield grip must be covered with a protective enclosure. While not historically accurate, "cages" are a very common sight on SCA shields owing to the [[rules of the list]].

	There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]], but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, [[strap]]ping, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.		There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]]s, but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, [[strap]]ping, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.

	Few SCA shields are curved owing to the difficulty of construction, but those [[heavy fighter]]s who use them are often quite enthusiastic about them.		Few SCA shields are curved owing to the difficulty of construction, but those [[heavy fighter]]s who use them are often quite enthusiastic about them.

Katoomer: /* Shield Construction (SCA) */

2011-05-28T20:41:34Z

Shield Construction (SCA)

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:41, 29 May 2011
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	===Shield Construction (SCA)===		===Shield Construction (SCA)===

	Construction standards for SCA shields are little more lax than in [[period]], but there ''are'' safety standards in place. SCA shields are normally made of [[plywood]] of ~~half~~ an inch thickness. This is the absolute minimum -- chipboard and particle board are ''not sufficient''. Many SCA shields are made of [[metal]] (aircraft aluminum is popular) with minimum thickness of 16-gauge ~~(a typical North American [[road sign]])~~. Other SCA shields are made from [[plastic]], of the same type that makes as [[plastic-barrel armour]] (puck-board is also popular), but these are ugly and look very "plasticky", so effort should be made to disguise them. For safety reasons, all shields are required to be edged, usually with plastic hose or [[closed-cell foam]].		Construction standards for SCA shields are little more lax than in [[period]], but there ''are'' safety standards in place. SCA shields are normally made of [[plywood]] of 3/8 to 1/2 an inch thickness. This is the absolute minimum -- chipboard and particle board are ''not sufficient''. Many SCA shields are made of [[metal]] (aircraft aluminum is popular) with minimum thickness of 16-gauge. Other SCA shields are made from [[plastic]], of the same type that makes as [[plastic-barrel armour]] (puck-board is also popular), but these are ugly and look very "plasticky", so effort should be made to disguise them. For safety reasons, all shields are required to be edged, usually with plastic hose or [[closed-cell foam]].

	Another required safety feature is protection for the fingers on the shield-hand; ~~strong~~ ~~blows~~ to the ~~shield~~ ~~can~~ ~~cause~~ the ~~grip~~ to be ~~driven~~ against ~~the~~ ~~[[helmet]]~~, possibly resulting in broken fingers. Centre-boss shields provide adequate protection as the fingers are protected inside the boss itself; a full [[gauntlet]] worn on the hand likewise provides enough protection. However, if a fighter is using a [[demi-gauntlet]] and an open grip, the shield grip must be covered with a protective enclosure ~~(usually a wire-mesh hockey facemask)~~. While not historically accurate, "cages" are a very common sight on SCA shields owing to the [[rules of the list]].		Another required safety feature is protection for the fingers on the shield-hand, as the shield only protects the back of the hand leaving the fingers exposed to sword blows, shield hooks or even being against one's own armor, possibly resulting in broken fingers. Centre-boss shields provide adequate protection as the fingers are protected inside the boss itself; a full [[gauntlet]] worn on the hand likewise provides enough protection. However, if a fighter is using a [[demi-gauntlet]] and an open grip, the shield grip must be covered with a protective enclosure. While not historically accurate, "cages" are a very common sight on SCA shields owing to the [[rules of the list]].

	There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]], but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, [[strap]]ping, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.		There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]], but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, [[strap]]ping, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.

Paul Matisz: /* Shield Construction (SCA) */

2010-07-11T14:33:54Z

Shield Construction (SCA)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:33, 12 July 2010
Line 37:		Line 37:

	Construction standards for SCA shields are little more lax than in [[period]], but there ''are'' safety standards in place. SCA shields are normally made of [[plywood]] of half an inch thickness. This is the absolute minimum -- chipboard and particle board are ''not sufficient''. Many SCA shields are made of [[metal]] (aircraft aluminum is popular) with minimum thickness of 16-gauge (a typical North American [[road sign]]). Other SCA shields are made from [[plastic]], of the same type that makes as [[plastic-barrel armour]] (puck-board is also popular), but these are ugly and look very "plasticky", so effort should be made to disguise them. For safety reasons, all shields are required to be edged, usually with plastic hose or [[closed-cell foam]].		Construction standards for SCA shields are little more lax than in [[period]], but there ''are'' safety standards in place. SCA shields are normally made of [[plywood]] of half an inch thickness. This is the absolute minimum -- chipboard and particle board are ''not sufficient''. Many SCA shields are made of [[metal]] (aircraft aluminum is popular) with minimum thickness of 16-gauge (a typical North American [[road sign]]). Other SCA shields are made from [[plastic]], of the same type that makes as [[plastic-barrel armour]] (puck-board is also popular), but these are ugly and look very "plasticky", so effort should be made to disguise them. For safety reasons, all shields are required to be edged, usually with plastic hose or [[closed-cell foam]].

			Another required safety feature is protection for the fingers on the shield-hand; strong blows to the shield can cause the grip to be driven against the [[helmet]], possibly resulting in broken fingers. Centre-boss shields provide adequate protection as the fingers are protected inside the boss itself; a full [[gauntlet]] worn on the hand likewise provides enough protection. However, if a fighter is using a [[demi-gauntlet]] and an open grip, the shield grip must be covered with a protective enclosure (usually a wire-mesh hockey facemask). While not historically accurate, "cages" are a very common sight on SCA shields owing to the [[rules of the list]].

	There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]], but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, [[strap]]ping, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.		There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]], but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, [[strap]]ping, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.
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	Beginning [[SCA]] [[fighter]]s are advised to experiment with several kinds of shield before settling on one particular type.		Beginning [[SCA]] [[fighter]]s are advised to experiment with several kinds of shield before settling on one particular type.

			[[category:Shield]][[category:Armour]]

	===Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups)===		===Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups)===

User 144: /* Shields and Heraldry (SCA) */ fixing spelling

2008-06-29T18:02:19Z

Shields and Heraldry (SCA): fixing spelling

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:02, 30 June 2008
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	[[category:Combat]][[category:~~artifact~~ (medieval)]]		[[category:Combat]][[category:artefact (medieval)]]

User 144: /* Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups) */

2008-06-29T18:02:00Z

Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:02, 30 June 2008
Line 47:		Line 47:
	Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result in differing ideas.		Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result in differing ideas.

	Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a [[canvas]]covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be restricted to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).		Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a [[canvas]] covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be restricted to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).

	Edging of shields (where appropriate) is generally done in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] as [[metal]] burrs under the impact of the [[steel]] [[weapon]]s producing an edge that may cut exposed skin if it hits an opponent (although this was obviously not a concern for real warfare).		Edging of shields (where appropriate) is generally done in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] as [[metal]] burrs under the impact of the [[steel]] [[weapon]]s producing an edge that may cut exposed skin if it hits an opponent (although this was obviously not a concern for real warfare).

User 144: /* Shield Construction (Period) */

2008-06-29T18:01:23Z

Shield Construction (Period)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:01, 30 June 2008
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	A great deal of effort went into period shield construction. While differences in local style and technological levels did occur, there are some basic points that apply to most shields.		A great deal of effort went into period shield construction. While differences in local style and technological levels did occur, there are some basic points that apply to most shields.

	A ~~shield~~ could have been made of a sort of [[plywood]], that is, of a series of laminated strips made of thin [[wood]], layered together and glued with the wood-grain of each layer perpendicular to the layers above and below, adding strength. Planked shields are very common throughout history. [[Linden]]-wood along with other woods such as [[willow]] and [[poplar]] were all used for shields. Woods were chosen based on varying amounts of strength, lightness and resistance to splitting.		Medieval shields could have been made of a sort of [[plywood]], that is, of a series of laminated strips made of thin [[wood]], layered together and glued with the wood-grain of each layer perpendicular to the layers above and below, adding strength. Planked shields are very common throughout history. [[Linden]]-wood along with other woods such as [[willow]] and [[poplar]] were all used for shields. Woods were chosen based on varying amounts of strength, lightness and resistance to splitting.

	The face of the shield could have been covered in [[rawhide]] or [[leather]] to add tensile strength to the shield. These materials could have been glued to the surface (and several glue recipes survive from the [[period]], including one made from [[cheese]]) and fastened down by the edging of the shield and the centre-boss (if any). Some shields ~~could have~~ included a layer of ~~padding~~ between wood and facing.		The face of the shield could have been covered in [[rawhide]] and were often cover with [[leather]] to add tensile strength to the shield. These materials could have been glued to the surface (and several glue recipes survive from the [[period]], including one made from [[cheese]]) and fastened down by the edging of the shield and the centre-boss (if any). Some shields included a layer of grass between wood and facing.

	The shield would have been edged in either rawhide (early period shields) or [[iron]] (mid- to late period shields), or a mixture of the two; this would adding a stiffening factor to the shield's strength and providing protection for the edges of the wood-grain, thus preventing splitting. Since the edge of the shield would take a large number of blows (as the enemy tried to get around it), strong edging ~~was~~ very important.		The shield would have been edged in either rawhide (early period shields) or [[iron]] (mid- to late period shields), or a mixture of the two; this would adding a stiffening factor to the shield's strength and providing protection for the edges of the wood-grain, thus preventing splitting. Since the edge of the shield would take a large number of blows (as the enemy tried to get around it), strong edging may have been very important.

	Some late period shields (especially [[joust]]ing shields) would have been faced in sheet [[steel]], making them extremely durable. Steel was expensive and heavy, however, and not typically used for combat shields. Regardless of the style of the shield, it could be flat or curved. Curved shields were much more difficult to make, but superior in strength, since they added structural strength to the existing strength of the wood and rawhide. A [[warrior]] would have bought the very best shield he could afford, since it was his life on the line.		Some late period shields (especially [[joust]]ing shields) would have been faced in sheet [[steel]], making them extremely durable. Steel was expensive and heavy, however, and not typically used for combat shields. Regardless of the style of the shield, it could be flat or curved. Curved shields were much more difficult to make, but superior in strength, since they added structural strength to the existing strength of the wood and rawhide. A [[warrior]] would have bought the very best shield he could afford, since it was his life on the line.

Paul Matisz: Corrected grammar, improved awkward phrasing

2008-06-25T15:21:51Z

Corrected grammar, improved awkward phrasing

User 144: /* Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups) */

2007-11-17T14:50:33Z

Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups)

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:50, 18 November 2007
Line 45:		Line 45:

	===Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups)===		===Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups)===
	Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result differing ideas.		Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result in differing ideas.

	Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a [[canvas]]covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be limted to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).		Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a [[canvas]]covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be limted to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).

Sarah Van Der Goes: /* Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups) */ added wiki

2007-07-09T20:29:18Z

Shield Construction (Other Re-enactment Groups): added wiki

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:29, 10 July 2007
Line 47:		Line 47:
	Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result differing ideas.		Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result differing ideas.

	Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a canvas covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be limted to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).		Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a [[canvas]]covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be limted to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).

	Edging of shields (where appropriate) is generally done in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] as [[metal]] burrs under the impact of the [[steel]] [[weapon]]s producing an edge that may cut exposed skin if it hits an opponent (although this was obviously not a concern for real warfare).		Edging of shields (where appropriate) is generally done in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] as [[metal]] burrs under the impact of the [[steel]] [[weapon]]s producing an edge that may cut exposed skin if it hits an opponent (although this was obviously not a concern for real warfare).

User 144: /* Shields and Heraldry (SCA) */

2006-09-09T02:03:39Z

Shields and Heraldry (SCA)

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:03, 9 September 2006
Line 61:		Line 61:


	[[category:Combat]]		[[category:Combat]][[category:artefact (medieval)]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 26 June 2008
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	A '''Shield''' is a small, portable barrier carried into [[combat]] for protection. Beyond that, shields vary greatly in style and handling. Most shields were carried in the left hand, strapped to the left arm, or both. For much of [[period]] shields were an essential part of the soldier's equipment, and only stopped being used when [[armour]] construction allowed for [[plate armour\|full plate]] covering, thus reducing the necessity of a shield.		A '''Shield''' is a small, portable barrier carried into [[combat]] for protection. Beyond that, shields vary greatly in style and handling. Most shields were carried in the left hand, strapped to the left arm, or both. For much of [[period]] shields were an essential part of the soldier's equipment, and only stopped being used when [[armour]] construction allowed for [[plate armour\|full plate]] covering, thus reducing the necessity of a shield.

	Since they were large, flattish surfaces, shields were ~~often~~ always ~~elaborately~~ decorated, and by the middle of the [[medieval]] era an elaborate system of rules around this decoration had developed, known as [[heraldry]].		Since they were large, flattish surfaces, shields were almost always decorated, and by the middle of the [[medieval]] era an elaborate system of rules around this decoration had developed, known as [[heraldry]].

	The shield itself could be large or small, but the primary requirement for [[Europe]]an shields was that it be extremely sturdy and light enough to be handled nimbly.		The shield itself could be large or small, but the primary requirement for [[Europe]]an shields was that it be extremely sturdy and light enough to be handled nimbly.
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	A great deal of effort went into period shield construction. While differences in local style and technological levels did occur, there are some basic points that apply to most shields.		A great deal of effort went into period shield construction. While differences in local style and technological levels did occur, there are some basic points that apply to most shields.

	A shield could have been made of a sort of [[plywood]], that is, of a series of laminated strips made of thin [[wood]] ~~thin strips would be~~ layered together and glued with the wood-grain of each layer perpendicular to the layers above and below, adding strength. Planked shields are very common throughout history. [[Linden]]-wood along with other woods such as [[willow]] and [[poplar]] were all used for shields. Woods were chosen based on varying amounts of strength, lightness and resistance to splitting.		A shield could have been made of a sort of [[plywood]], that is, of a series of laminated strips made of thin [[wood]], layered together and glued with the wood-grain of each layer perpendicular to the layers above and below, adding strength. Planked shields are very common throughout history. [[Linden]]-wood along with other woods such as [[willow]] and [[poplar]] were all used for shields. Woods were chosen based on varying amounts of strength, lightness and resistance to splitting.

	The face of the shield could have been covered in [[rawhide]] or [[leather]] to add tensile strength to the shield. These materials could have been glued to the surface (and several glue recipes survive from the [[period]], including one made from [[cheese]]) and fastened down by the edging of the shield and the centre-boss (if any). Some shields ~~contain~~ a layer of ~~grass~~ ~~behind~~ ~~the face of~~ ~~the~~ ~~shield~~.		The face of the shield could have been covered in [[rawhide]] or [[leather]] to add tensile strength to the shield. These materials could have been glued to the surface (and several glue recipes survive from the [[period]], including one made from [[cheese]]) and fastened down by the edging of the shield and the centre-boss (if any). Some shields could have included a layer of padding between wood and facing.

	The shield would have been edged in either rawhide (early period shields) or [[iron]] (mid- to late period shields), or a mixture of the two, adding a stiffening factor to the shield's strength and providing protection for the edges of the wood-grain, thus preventing splitting. Since the edge of the shield would take a large number of blows (as the enemy tried to get around it), ~~the~~ edging was very important.		The shield would have been edged in either rawhide (early period shields) or [[iron]] (mid- to late period shields), or a mixture of the two; this would adding a stiffening factor to the shield's strength and providing protection for the edges of the wood-grain, thus preventing splitting. Since the edge of the shield would take a large number of blows (as the enemy tried to get around it), strong edging was very important.

	Some late period shields (especially [[joust]]ing shields) would have been faced in sheet [[steel]], making them extremely durable. Steel was expensive and heavy, however, and not typically used for combat shields. Regardless of the style of the shield, it could be flat or curved. Curved shields were much more difficult to make, but superior in strength, since they added structural strength to the existing strength of the wood and rawhide. A [[warrior]] would have bought the very best shield he could afford, since it was his life on the line.		Some late period shields (especially [[joust]]ing shields) would have been faced in sheet [[steel]], making them extremely durable. Steel was expensive and heavy, however, and not typically used for combat shields. Regardless of the style of the shield, it could be flat or curved. Curved shields were much more difficult to make, but superior in strength, since they added structural strength to the existing strength of the wood and rawhide. A [[warrior]] would have bought the very best shield he could afford, since it was his life on the line.
Line 36:		Line 36:
	===Shield Construction (SCA)===		===Shield Construction (SCA)===

	Construction standards for SCA shields are little more lax than in [[period]], but there ''are'' safety standards in place. SCA shields are normally made of [[plywood]] of half an inch thickness. This is the absolute minimum -- chipboard and particle board are ''not sufficient''. Many SCA shields are made of [[metal]] (aircraft aluminum is popular) with minimum thickness of 16-gauge (a typical North American [[road sign]]). Other SCA shields are made from [[plastic]], of the same type that makes as [[plastic-barrel armour]] (puck-board is also popular), but these are ugly and look very "plasticky", so effort should be made to disguise them. For safety reasons, all shields are required to be edged with ~~hose (heater hose,~~ plastic hose~~, garden hose... just~~ ~~not~~ ~~your~~ ~~pantyhose)~~.		Construction standards for SCA shields are little more lax than in [[period]], but there ''are'' safety standards in place. SCA shields are normally made of [[plywood]] of half an inch thickness. This is the absolute minimum -- chipboard and particle board are ''not sufficient''. Many SCA shields are made of [[metal]] (aircraft aluminum is popular) with minimum thickness of 16-gauge (a typical North American [[road sign]]). Other SCA shields are made from [[plastic]], of the same type that makes as [[plastic-barrel armour]] (puck-board is also popular), but these are ugly and look very "plasticky", so effort should be made to disguise them. For safety reasons, all shields are required to be edged, usually with plastic hose or [[closed-cell foam]].

	There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]], but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, ~~strapping~~, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.		There is great debate on shield style and weight in the [[SCA]]. A shield must be sturdy enough to absorb the impact of blows from [[weapon]], but beyond that there is considerable variation. Some people believe the shield should be as heavy as you can handle so it has more resistance to your opponents' blows, although some may find this less maneuverable. Others say it should be as light as you can get away with, although this means your shield can be more easily moved by your opponent, and that it will break more quickly. Shield shape, [[strap]]ping, and handling are all topics of rousing debate in any gathering of [[stickjock]]s.

	Few SCA shields are curved owing to the difficulty of construction, but those [[heavy fighter]]s who use them are often quite enthusiastic about them.		Few SCA shields are curved owing to the difficulty of construction, but those [[heavy fighter]]s who use them are often quite enthusiastic about them.
Line 47:		Line 47:
	Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result in differing ideas.		Shields for other [[re-enactment]] groups (i.e. [[live steel]]) combat tend to hold more emphasis on strict historical accuracy than their SCA equivalents. Ideally, re-enactment shields are shaped according to available evidence and will match the time frame chosen for the individual group, although there is variety as individual research and commitment can result in differing ideas.

	Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a [[canvas]]covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be ~~limted~~ to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).		Generally, for re-enactment combat, shields are constructed of [[plywood]] with thicknesses varying between 9mm and 12mm on average. They will generally have a [[canvas]]covering to add a level of extra resilience to the face and thus reduce splintering. Compared to the SCA, material substitutions are more limited in [[re-enactment]] and tends to be restricted to substituting a variation of the same material for another (i.e. one type of [[wood]] for another).

	Edging of shields (where appropriate) is generally done in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] as [[metal]] burrs under the impact of the [[steel]] [[weapon]]s producing an edge that may cut exposed skin if it hits an opponent (although this was obviously not a concern for real warfare).		Edging of shields (where appropriate) is generally done in [[leather]] or [[rawhide]] as [[metal]] burrs under the impact of the [[steel]] [[weapon]]s producing an edge that may cut exposed skin if it hits an opponent (although this was obviously not a concern for real warfare).
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	== Shields and Heraldry (SCA)==		== Shields and Heraldry (SCA)==

		⚫	A shield is a good place to show off your [[device]]. One can either paint it directly onto the shield, or cover the shield in canvas and then paint it (this has the advantage of protecting your wood, but it'll weigh down your shield a lot). Another idea is that you can make a slip that goes over your shield (think of your ironing board cover. That sort of thing.) You can paint your device, your [[household]]'s device, your [[barony]]'s device, or whoever you're fighting for.
	A shield is a good place to show off your [[device]]. You can either paint it directly onto the
⚫	shield, or cover the shield in canvas and then paint it (this has the advantage of protecting your wood, but it'll weigh down your shield a lot). Another idea is that you can make a slip that goes over your shield (think of your ironing board cover. That sort of thing.) You can paint your device, your [[household]]'s device, your [[barony]]'s device, or whoever you're fighting for.




	[[category:Combat]][[category:~~artefact~~ (medieval)]]		[[category:Combat]][[category:artifact (medieval)]]